The Suder Foundation, the funding source of First Scholars, opens programs at new affiliate universities by providing start-up and early-stage funding for program operations and scholarships. As the program matures, funding shifts to the universities.
Using a franchise model, First Scholars provides start-up materials and management support to launch each program site. We also provide seed funding for a designated timeframe. Universities use the resources to hire a program director, host student workshops and activities, and fund scholarships.
Affiliate universities must co-invest in the program from the beginning by providing additional resources, such as:
Affiliate universities are expected to self-fund the program within an agreed-upon time period. As funding responsibilities transition to the university, First Scholars works with each university to develop fundraising strategies. Additionally, the national network can work together to fundraise and share best practices for finding sources of ongoing funding.
